Hamilton to leverage tire advantage as rain threat looms over Hungarian GP
Let’s take a look at Pirelli’s recommended strategies for the Hungarian Grand Prix — keeping in mind that the threat of rain could once again shake things up.
Everything is set in Hungary for what promises to be a thrilling race with an unpredictable outcome, especially given the uncertain weather conditions and the looming threat of rain that could shake up the results at any moment.
If the race takes place in dry conditions, what strategies can we expect to see, and which one would be the fastest?
Pirelli suggests the best strategies for the Hungarian GP
According to Pirelli, the ideal strategy is a two-stop approach starting on medium tires, then pitting between laps 16 and 22 to switch to hards, followed by a second stop between laps 40 and 46.
The next best strategy is a one-stop approach, also starting on medium tires, with a switch to hards scheduled between laps 25 and 31.
Starting on soft tires for a two-stop strategy is less recommended, with a switch to medium tires planned between laps 8 and 14, followed by either a move to mediums again between laps 32 and 38 or to hards between laps 38 and 44, always beginning the race on softs.
Regarding available tires, all the top drivers—including Hamilton and Verstappen, who will start further back—have one set of medium tires at their disposal.
However, Hamilton has an extra set of new soft tires compared to the front runners.
Regarding the hard tires, Hamilton, Verstappen, and Leclerc each have two new sets available, while Norris and Piastri have only one.
Popular on GPBlog
Verstappen gives 'useless' Hamilton a vote of confidence after shock Q2 elimination
A distraught Hamilton issues heartbreaking Ferrari plea, 'The car's not the problem'
Uncertain weather conditions threaten to disrupt the Hungarian GP
